Quintet comprises 2011 MOC Athletics Hall of Fame induction class
By MOC Sports Information
Published in Sports on August 23, 2011 1:47 PM
MOUNT OLIVE -- A two-sport letter-winner, two former men's basketball players, a record-setting pitcher and long-time friend comprise the 2011 Mount Olive College Athletics Hall of Fame induction class.
Dawn Johnson, in 2010, was enshrined in the N.C. USSSA Hall of Fame for her contributions on the state, regional and national stage. Now, she's getting recognition for her achievements during her four-year career with the Trojans.
A two-time Female Athlete-of-the-Year recipient in 1986 and 1987, Johnson emerged MOC's leading hitter in 1986. She had thought of transferring, but when the school moved to Division II, she completed her degree.
A four-time All-Carolinas-Virginia Athletics Conference (CVAC) selection, Michelle Matthews led MOC to its first-ever regular-season conference title as a freshman. The Trojans claimed their first-ever CVAC tournament crown with Matthews inside the pitcher's circle during her senior season.
Matthews continues to hold several program records -- single-season batting average (.456), career batting average (.407), career wins (72), career shutouts (19) and strikeouts (560).
In 1982, Greg Grantham earned All-CVAC honors on the court and fashioned a 3.4 grade-point average in the classroom. He earned his associate's degree and enjoyed a successful coaching career at SouthWest Edgecombe and Jacksonville White Oak.
The Associated Press tabbed Grantham as its top boys' high school coach in North Carolina in 1986. He served as head coach of the North Carolina squad at the NC/SC All-Star Boys' Basketball Classic.
Grantham recently retired from coaching basketball. He is directing the boys' and girls' golf programs, and oversees the White Oak athletics department.
A three-time All-CVAC honoree, Chris McDonald helped build the foundation for the men's basketball program, which has become of the nation's elite schools in the past decade. McDonald scored 1,725 points during his MOC career and continues to hold the career rebounding record (890).
McDonald, who coaches at Central Cabarrus HS, was named the CVAC player-of-the-year in 1999 and was a preseason "Super 16" All-American selection by the NCAA Division II Bulletin in 2000.
A presence in the community, on the MOC campus and at Trojan athletics events, George Kornegay has served in numerous capacities. He is the chair of the Mount Olive College Foundation Board -- a fund-raising arm of the college.
In 2005, Kornegay presented a $1 million gift to the college -- the George and Annie Dail Kornegay Arena, which is named in honor of his parents. The men's and women's basketball teams, men's and women's volleyball teams and the Original Free Will Baptist Church annual convention use the facility.